Cortisone or Antibiotic Cream on a Cat?

My cat has been scratching just below her ear for a few days and now I have noticed that she's gotten the spot a little bloody and it is continually irritating her.





I am wondering if it would be safe to try applying average human OTC hydro-cortisone cream or triple-antibiotic cream on the area. The spot is sort of between her eye and ear.





My concern is - would ingestion of either cream be harmful (since she is probably going to scratch and rub the spot and later on, and then lick her paws.) And, would the cream getting into her eyes be harmful - she might rub her paw against the spot and inadvertently get it into her eyes.





Should I just leave the spot alone? It's about the size of a dime. I don't really have the money to take her to a vet right now, though I suppose if it became an absolute necessity I could try to work something out. Just trying to avoid that for now if there's something else that can be done instead.Cortisone or Antibiotic Cream on a Cat?
Typically when cats scratch at their ears like this, they have ear mites. I would consider taking her to the vet. If she continues to scratch often times they will create an ear hematoma which will need to be drained and receive antibiotics. Ear mites are very common in cats and the medication is an OTC med - you can either use drops or you can purchase Revolution (topical medication applied once a month that also treats fleas). Otherwise, you can use either the hydrocortisone or triple antibiotic - they're both safe, but I do'nt think either will solve your problem! Best wishes!





Edit: Regarding the $$ thing - I would definately treat for ear mites. You can get the drops for less than $5 most of the time and again, they are an OTC product. Otherwise, you can purchase one dose of Revolution, but that's more expensive ($15-25 depending on the clinic).Cortisone or Antibiotic Cream on a Cat?
I would leave the spot alone, and see if it will heal up on its own. Is there a reason she is scratching there? She could potentially have fleas, ear mites, or just an ear infection. You should just keep an eye on the area for a possible reason for the scratching. If you want to wipe the wound off with a warm washcloth, it might make it feel a little better too.
Cortisone cream only on the advice of your vet.





Antibiotic Cream in small amounts should be okay.